Drug resistance and methods of reversing

Described herein is a cellular marker, MyD88, useful for assessing an individual's (patient's) sensitivity (or resistance) to chemotherapy, particularly sensitivity (or resistance) to chemotherapeutic drugs, such as plant alkaloids (e.g., a taxane, such as paclitaxel or docetaxel). As described herein, Applicants provide a method by which it is possible to determine whether an individual (cancer cells in an individual) is sensitive to chemotherapy with plant alkaloids (e.g., a taxane, such as paclitaxel or docetaxel). Early identification of chemoresistance in patients with cancer is of utmost importance, particularly since it makes it possible to provide the most appropriate therapy.